Shape Magazine
Make Over Your Health
23. Allow yourself to give in to that caffeine craving. According to a study from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, a moderate dose of caffeine could jump-start your libido. Researchers studied animal behavior and discovered that caffeine likely stimulated the part of the brain regulating arousal, which motivated females to have sex more frequently: A similar effect in humans is probable only in women who don't drink coffee regularly. If that's you, try ordering an espresso after a romantic dinner and see whether sparks fly.
24. Rent Wedding Crashers one more time. We all know that laughter is the best medicine, but it turns out that even anticipating a laugh can boost feel-good hormones (endorphins) by almost 30 percent. What's more, its effects appear to last up to 24 hours, according to researcher Lee S. Berk of California's Loma Linda University. Go see a comedian, or TiVo a funny television show like My Name is Earl and watch it over and over again.
25. Create a mental-health family tree. You'd tell your doctor if your grandmother had breast cancer or heart disease, but what if she suffered from depression or bipolar disorder? You can track your family's history of those diseases in just a few minutes by filling out the questionnaire at a new site called mentalhealthfamilytree.org. If the results concern you, see your doctor and begin to get any treatment you might need.
26. Go nuts with your salad. Sprinkle an ounce and a half of walnuts into your salad or mix them in with your yogurt. Why walnuts? They contain ellagic acid, a cancer-fighting antioxidant. Plus, these nutritional powerhouses, low in artery-clogging saturated fat, are a good source of protein and cholesterol-reducing omega-3 fatty acids, which may decrease the risk of heart disease.
Featured Workout Video
Kettlebell Training
Gain strength, power, and speed with these kettlebell exercises.
More Videos >>
Loading
 |
|
|
|
|
|